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Halloween Safety

Making Sure Everyone is Safe

Halloween in the City of Surrey is a fun event for kids and their families, but it is also a time when safety is very important. Whether safety concerns are related to costumes, candy, or fireworks you can educate yourself using our important tips to make sure everyone has a fun.Safety Tips for Children

Wear a light-coloured costume

Ask your parents to use reflective tape and/or glow sticks so car drivers can see you better

Make-up is better than a mask - A mask with small holes for your eyes makes it hard for you to see

Carry a flashlight so you can see in the dark and be better seen

Trick-or-treat on one side of the street, then the other - Never crisscross the street

Go out with an adult

Never trick-or-treat alone - Older children should go in groups

Tell your parents your route and when you'll be home

Never go into a strange house, apartment or car

Have a snack or meal before going out OR have a parent check your treats before you eat any

Safety Tips for Parents

Dress up your child’s costume with make-up, rather than masks, so they have a clear, unobstructed view of their surroundings

Check the lengths of costumes to make sure they are not too long; otherwise they may become a tripping hazard

Make children’s costumes of light-coloured, flame resistant materials and add reflective strips so they can be seen by drivers

Make sure drivers can see the children

Give them flashlights and glow sticks

Dress kids in bright, reflective clothing or use reflective tape on their costumes

Accompany your children as they trick or treat or make sure they go with a group of friends that will stick together

Instruct children to stay on sidewalks and to cross only at corners or crosswalks where traffic will be expecting them

Remind them to always stop, look and listen before crossing

Advise your children to trick or treat only in your own neighbourhood or area where they know the people and surroundings

Remind your children not to go into anyone’s house or car

Inspect all candy to make sure no one has tampered with it

Throw out any candy or treat that appears to have been opened or is unwrapped

If it looks suspicious, contact the police

Give your children samples of your own giveaways to discourage them from sampling the goodies they collect before they bring them home for you to check

Make Halloween safer for everyone; consider putting your name and address on candies and goodies you give out

Consider organizing a Halloween street party for the children in your local neighbourhood, so they don’t have to seek out their own adventures

Safety Tips for Motorists

Stay alert! Don’t use a cell phone or other personal device while driving through neighborhoods

Stay well below the posted speed limit

Pay attention to what’s happening on sidewalks and roadways

Watch for children darting across streets, especially between parked cars

Be extra alert when pulling in and out of driveways

Do not assume children can see you or are paying attention

Drivers should also check that all lights on their car work

Do not pass other vehicles that have stopped in the roadway

They could be dropping off children

If you’re driving a group of children, but staying in the running vehicle at the curb, be sure to put on your hazard lights to alert other motorists

And if you’re driving to a Halloween party, put that mask on after you park the car

Plan your ride home - Don't drink and drive.

Protecting Your Home

Home security is another concern on Halloween. The Surrey RCMP provides home security information which is useful at any time of year and for any occasion. Halloween is no different. Please keep your lights on so children can see and clean your yard of items so children don’t trip and hurt themselves. For more information on securing your home visit our Home Security Checklist.

Protecting Your Automobile

As with any time of year, cars can be targeted for Auto Crime. In order to prevent vandalism and theft from your vehicle, park it in your driveway, or if on the street, within plain view. Make sure you secure it, preferably with an anti theft device, and remove any valuables. For more information on securing your automobile(s) visit our Auto Crime page.

Protecting Your Pets

It is also important to protect your pets on Halloween. Prepare your pets for an evening of frightful sights and sounds. Be sure that all dogs and cats are wearing collars and proper identification tags.

Fireworks Safety

The Surrey RCMP is also reminding all residents of City of Surrey bylaws and penalties for fireworks possession and explosion.

Surrey Bylaw

Surrey Bylaw #4200 (PDF) restricts the sale, possession, and explosion of fireworks and firecrackers. It was drawn up in response to the number of injuries and property damage caused around Halloween by these explosive devices.

The City of Surrey restricts the use of any type or class of fireworks year round including Halloween. Only those who possess a valid Federal Fireworks Supervisors Certificate and a valid permit from the Surrey Fire Service may use fireworks. Individuals under the age of eighteen who are caught in possession of fireworks may be susceptible to a $250 fine. Information on obtaining fireworks permits can be found by visiting the Fire Prevention Forms page of the City of Surrey website.

Safety Tips for Families Using Fireworks

DO NOT use fireworks that appear to have loose fuses, appear old, or show signs of damage.

Ignite one firework at a time.

Bury certain firework devices (Roman Candles) up to half their length in a bucket of sand or earth.

NEVER hold lit fireworks.

If a firework doesn't go off, do not approach or pick it up for at least 30 minutes.